Distal Radius Fracture
Conditions
Brief summary
This study investigates the effect of hot packs versus whirlpool and exercise for patients with distal radius fracture (DRF). Patients with recently healed DRF are randomized into two groups, with one group receiving hot packs during therapy and the other immersing the arm in a whirlpool for 3 consecutive therapy visits. The effect of these modalities on range of motion and volume of the hand are evaluated, with measurements taking place before and immediately after heat during each visit.
Detailed description
This study investigates the short term effect of hot packs versus whirlpool and exercise for patients with distal radius fracture (DRF) during a therapy visit. Patients with recently healed DRF are randomized into two groups, with one group receiving hot packs during therapy and the other immersing the arm in a whirlpool for 3 consecutive therapy visits. Measurements of wrist and forearm range of motion, and volume of the hand are recorded before and immediately after heat for each visit, effectively creating six measurement time points. Change scores are recorded for range of motion and for volume, and analyzed using MANOVA to determine differences between groups.
Interventions
PROCEDUREHot Pack
Patients have a hot pack and 2 layers of towel wrapped around the wrist and forearm for 15 minutes
PROCEDUREWhirlpool
Patients immerse their arm, from elbow to hand, in a whirlpool bath of 104 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 minutes
Sponsors
Western University, Canada
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
DOUBLE (Investigator, Outcomes Assessor)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
* Healed DRF, * allowed to perform motion.
Exclusion criteria
* Complex regional pain syndrome, * inability to read/understand english, * inability to attend follow up sessions due to driving distance from clinic, * Raynaud's phenomenon
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Change in Wrist Range of Motion (ROM) | Immediately before and within 5 minutes of completing heat application for 3 consecutive weekly therapy visits | Measurement of wrist flexion/extension, radial/ulnar deviation/ and pro/supination |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Change in Hand Volume | Immediately before, within 5 minutes of completing heat application, then 30 minutes later for 3 consecutive weekly therapy visits | Volumetric measurement of the hand using a standardized volunteer |
Countries
Canada
Outcome results
None listed